Rugby Union 2 years ago

Wallabies backing Lealiifano

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 01: Christian Lealiifano of the Brumbies runs the ball during the round 15 Super Rugby match between the Brumbies and the Reds at GIO Stadium on July 1, 2016 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says Christian Lealiifano is up for his fight against leukaemia and the team will give him whatever support he needs.

Wallabies and Brumbies star Lealiifano was admitted to hospital after being diagnosed with the illness last week.

A number of Wallabies visited 28-year-old Lealiifano in Canberra over the weekend after their camp in Sydney concluded on Friday and before reassembling on Sunday night for this week's camp on the NSW Central coast.

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"I certainly believe he's going to get through and get through well," Cheika said on Monday morning.

"He's a tough guy. He's shown that over many years of playing footy and in the experience that I've had with him he's always shown that and I'm backing him 100 per cent.

"Whatever he needs we'll be there to provide it for him, around friendship, support, whatever it is so that he gets through it and beats it quickly.

"He's up for it, there's no doubt about it. The lads have been in contact with him and a fair few of the boys have been to see him already, but he's right up for it.

"I'm very positive for him and I believe just straight way he's got the right attitude and he's going to be in the right head space to take this one on."

Wallabies' captain and hooker Stephen Moore said the players had been shocked by news of Lealiifano's illness.

"I think he knows we're all here to support him the whole way," Moore said.

"We spoke about that as a group, just making sure we continue our support for him as he continues to go through this treatment.

"I think there's always that initial support when the news comes out but then we've got to make sure we stay positive around him, right through his whole treatment.

"We don't know how long that's going to be, so we'll make sure we're always there for him and make sure that he knows that."

Moore expected there to be a change in emphasis in Wallabies training at this week's camp after a gruelling week in Sydney.

"Last week we did a lot of strength and conditioning work and we'll continue that this week, but I think we'll start to bring our specific game content for the Test," Moore said.

Cheika anticipated some selection posers for his All Blacks counterpart Steve Hansen

ahead of the Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday week following the Hurricanes' triumphant Super Rugby campaign.

Five-eighth Beauden Barrett put himself forward for promotion to start ahead of Aaron Cruden with his stellar season for the Canes and likewise livewire openside flanker Ardie Savea may have done enough to overtake All Blacks incumbent Sam Cane in Richie McCaw's former position.

Halfback TJ Perenara boosted his stocks for a bench spot behind Aaron Smith but big All Blacks winger Julian Savea remains under a cloud after being benched by the Canes for the finals series.

"There will be some interesting selection issues around openside and 10, but also Julian Savea and that wing position," said Cheika.

And Perenara as well, is another player who has been in very good form."